Calian drove on the road toward their destination; his wife was by his side while Xenon sat in the back seat. Willow smiled while looking at Xenon's reflection. I'm glad you decided to come with us. It's good to go out occasionally."
Xenon smiled as he looked out the window, enjoying the cool breeze. "I guess so. Although, I forgot how it is to have fun."
"There aren't expectations on how to have fun, my friend. You have been consumed with your responsibilities and taking care of David, so you haven't had time for yourself. Who knows, you might even meet a nice young lady." Calian noticed in his mirror that Xenon glanced at him. "Please, at least try to meet someone. I know that Kendra would have wanted you to be happy."
Willow looked at her husband. She knew that he meant well, but Xenon loved Kendra deeply. It wasn't easy to go on and date, especially when loving someone deeply. "Shíkeyáh (My Love), Xenon will know when he is ready. We're happy that he is at least having time for himself. Xenon tensed down. "Xenon, how have you been feeling regarding, you know?"
Calian glanced at his wife. Willow realized that she also stepped out of line, but she was worried for Xenon. "Sorry, my friend. We didn't want to barbard you with questions that should not be our concerns."
"No need to apologize, Calian. I know you guys are worried for me. I have been feeling okay. Sometimes I have the urge to transform. However, I'm worried about the full moon. It gets difficult to keep it in."
The couple looked at each other. They remembered when Xenon first got bitten and how afraid he was. It was difficult for him to control his wolf. When he faced his first full moon, Xenon couldn't control his wolf, but the tribe's elder helped guide Him with prayers passed down through generations within their tribe. "Well, you shouldn't go through this alone. Remember, you have help here. Don't forget that," Willow said softly.
Xenon smiled to himself. Willow was right, he had friends and others from the reservation to help him and David. "I won't and thank you."
Calian kept driving until he arrived in the city of Helena, where the city was slowly becoming a bustling hub. The trio eventually arrived at their destination, the Wild West bar. "Good thing we arrived when we did. The bar is going to be packed."
"I think it's a good thing since events can bring a community together." Willow turned and looked at Xenon as her husband pulled the vehicle to a stop. "You should compete, Xenon. You need to take steps to regain control of your life."
Xenon shook his head. "It has been many years since I sang. My voice is not what it used to be."
Calian parked and turned off his vehicle. "We're finally here." He turned and looked at his friend. "You don't need to win the competition. Just try to compete. You have been through many obstacles, but you can use your voice to set yourself free. However, it will be your decision."
Everyone got out of the vehicle and walked toward the bar and entered.
The bar had a Wild West vibe, and it was packed with a large crowd. "Come on, let's get our drinks before it gets crowded. The trio went to the bar, where a middle-aged man was sitting; he looked at the trio. "Well, I'll be! Xenon, it's a mighty long time since I've seen you here!"
"Hey Bob, nice to see you again. I got invited and I couldn't resist. I'm glad to see you and your place are doing well."
"Yeah, thank god. COVID hit pretty hard and I was close losing this place but I did my best and my business is still here. Want the usual?"
Xenon nodded; Bob got him two Montucky beers. Xenon looked at Calian and Willow. "You guys can order, it will be on me."
"Nah, it will be on the house. I'm glad they got you out of your man cave and got your life back. You guys order what you want." At the same time, Calian and Willow looked at the menu. Xenon opened one of his beers and looked around the bar. He felt relieved to be out of the house and away from his responsibilities. He missed going back to the life he used to live. Xenon remembered the times he and Kendra would go out on date nights, sing, and dance.
"Hello, Xenon. Long time no see," said a masculine voice.
Calian and Willow got their drinks and focused on Xenon, but they saw a man standing before Xenon.
Calian's face hardened; Willow felt her husband's angered aura and did her best not to create trouble. "Achak, it has been a while since we have seen you. Hope you are doing okay," Willow said with unease.
Achak glanced at Willow and nodded. "It has been a while, Willow. I am happy to see that you and Calian are doing well." He then focused on Xenon, who did his best to focus on him, but it was difficult for him to do so. Achack was once part of the Flathead reservation. He was the son of the tribe's shaman, the elder who assisted Xenon in controlling his wolf. Achak was against having Xenon close to the tribe, as he believed it posed a danger to the reservation.
His worries were ignored, and Achak decided to leave.
Xenon couldn't help but feel guilty for creating problems in the reservation and among the family. "Hello, Achak. I'm glad to see that you are doing well. I-I wanted to-"
"Apologize? There is no need. There is no point anymore. My people have refused to hear my warnings. Now, you all will be in danger."
Calian stepped forward; his wife tried to maintain his distance. "If Xenon weren't found then he would have been a danger to himself."
"Yes, he would have been a danger to himself, but now that he is what he is, he is a danger to all those who are near him. Not even his son will be safe."
The mention of his son made Xenon's anger slowly rise. He put down his bear, and his glare didn't leave Achak. "Do not put my son into this. You-"
"What I speak is the truth. Do you think I speak ill of you? I came here to tell you this, and that this will not be our only occurrence. Enjoy the peace while you can, it will be short-lived." Achak nodded and walked out of the bar.
Willow sighed in relief. "I'm glad that he's gone. You guys should know how he is. Please don't let him get to you guys."
"Easier said than done, Willow. Achak was giving our elders a difficult time regarding Xenon's presence within the reservation."
While the couple spoke to one another, Xenon got his beer again. Achak's words were ingrained in his mind, but he tried not to let them get to him. He was about to focus on his friends when he noticed a group of women entering the bar. He thought nothing of it, but there was a woman who caught his interest.
Xenon didn't realize that he couldn't stop looking at her.
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